​Local Fishing Access Sites on the Stillwater RiverThere are some beautiful fishing sites between Absarokee and Nye, Montana. Fishing licenses are available locally at Rockin' J and the Fishtail General Store.

Many Fish Wildlife and Parks Fishing accesses have no fee primitive camping. See the listing below for campsite info. Most of the Following information can be found on the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks page: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/searchFas.html

Absaroka:1 mile west of Absarokee on Hwy 420, turn north onto Johnson Bridge 0.4 miles, then right on N. Stillwater Road after crossing the bridge. Small area, used for floater put in and take out. Two locations including small parking area 50 yards downstream of main site. (No Camping.)

Old Nye:This is a Forest Service access rather than a Fish Wildlife and Parks Access. It is located about 5 miles south of Nye on Highway 419. Day use, Picnic Area, Parking & Toilet.

Fishing Access Site on the West Fork of Stillwater ​State Land Located 1.5 miles from Nye on the West Fork Stillwater Road. Regulated by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks for the State of Montana, DNRC, this access is a 2 day stay limit. A Recreational Use License is required. (Hunters and Fishermen are covered to stay at this site thru their conservation license.) Families have the option to purchase a Recreational Use License (State Land Use Permit) for $20 anywhere fishing or hunting licenses are sold. Recreational Use Licenses allow use of other state lands as well. Primitive Camping. No Water, No Toilets.

Fishing Access Site on the West Rosebud River Rosebud Isle Access This Fish Wildlife and Parks fishing access is found by driving down the lane between Potter’s Rock Shop and the Fishtail Post Office. It will seem as though private land is being crossed, but there is most assuredly permission to travel down this road to the access. Fishing, Camping (Primitive & No Fee), Toilets, No Water, Moderate Accessibility.

West Rosebud Lake (1 mile from Emerald)​19 acres, 6+ feet deep, elevation 6,387 ft. See fishing for Emerald Lake. 8-12 inch fish in WR lake. Access to lake is slightly less due to shallow and marshy areas. An outlet regulating dam is located at the NE end of the lake. Toilet available.

From the start, Mystic Lake Trail meanders a couple miles along a Lodge Pole Pine-shaded trail adjacent to the West Fork of the Rosebud River. Trail length is 7 miles round trip with a 1,200 foot elevation gain. Sturdy hiking shoes are helpful.

Travelers to this largest of the lakes in the Beartooth and Absaroka mountains are surrounded by awe inspiring granite peaks, which are classified as wilderness. Mystic Lake is outside the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. In 1924, Montana Power Company built a 314 foot dam to funnel off waters through a flume system down to the trail head and the turbine generators below.

Hikers will want to bring along a rain coat, as afternoon showers and wind are commonplace.

Woodbine Falls Following Highway 419 through Fishtail, Dean and then 7 miles past Nye, guests will soon arrive at the Woodbine area, which is a gem of the Beartooths. Woodbine campground is located in Custer National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District. As Highway 419 splits, the left branch leads to the campground and also the trailhead for Woodbine Falls. Depending on age and fitness, this trail requires inside of an hour of steady hiking to reach the overlook to the falls. Trail length is 1.5 miles round trip with a 300 feet elevation gain. Hikers switchback through Ponderosa pines and mountain meadows all the while following Woodbine Creek up to the Falls.

River raging through the canyon

Sioux Charley Lake The right branch in the highway (mentioned above) leads to the parking lot and trailhead for Sioux Charley Lake. Hikers travel alongside the Stillwater River on Trail #24 for 1/4 mile to the wilderness boundary and then another 2.5 miles to Sioux Charley Lake. This is a remarkable excursion with pristine views of the Beartooths on all sides, well worth the effort. Trail length is 6 miles round trip with a 600 feet elevation gain.

The Stillwater River courses through a rock canyon as the hike begins, boiling and churning over big boulders the first mile of the walk. Soon the river evens out, giving fishermen easier access to the river. Hikers continue to gain elevation as they travel through timber and wildflower-filled meadows, approaching Sioux Charley Lake. At about the 2.5 mile point, the trail reaches its highest point and Sioux Charley can be seen down below.

Sioux Charley

This lake could probably best be described as a wide spot in the river. Be sure to look for the trail through the pines diverging off toward the river from the main trail, as there is not a sign marking the lake. Regardless of the size of the lake, the hike in is very much worth experiencing. The Stillwater River Trail is a also popular destination for backpackers who want to explore the depths of the Beartooth Mountains. ​​

Campground InformationFind complete info for the following campgrounds.